Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular in households across Scotland, despite the fact that we don’t live in the sunniest or warmest of climates! With a cost of living crisis and energy bills climbing we are all looking at ways to reduce our bills and consumption, as well as making our lifestyle more environmentally friendly.
Solar panels can be spread across the roof of your property and use semiconductor technology to capture the sun’s energy, then convert it into electricity that can heat and power your home. Solar energy is collected all year round, however an unshaded, south facing roof is ideal for maximum electrical output. The stronger the sunshine, the more electricity generated.
The key benefits of going solar are that:
- it cuts your electricity bills,
- it reduces your carbon footprint,
- you receive payments for extra energy you generate, and
- it can increase the appeal and value of your home.
Going solar can lead to thousands of pounds in energy savings over the 25-year lifespan of a system and can increase your home value, but it is a big investment to make. The average solar system for a house in the UK costs between £8-£10,000 and takes ten years to pay for itself, however after that your bills will be reduced dramatically for years to come.
As well as the financial investment needed for a solar system, space is a key consideration. Any nearby buildings, trees or chimneys could shade your roof and have a negative impact on the performance of your system. Generally you will not need planning permission to install solar panels on your home, however, exceptions do apply, especially if you live in a listed building or conservation area.
There is no question that going green is the way forward and energy efficiency is a key factor for property buyers. Solar electricity is low carbon, renewable energy, and solar panels are thought to add around 5-15% to a home’s value. As gas and electricity prices continue to rise, solar systems are becoming even more enticing. Potential homebuyers are looking for homes already set up with solar and renewable energy efficiencies so they can save money on utilities right away.